Five Individuals Jailed for Terrorism and Organized Crime in Illizi: Massive Seizure of Weapons and Over 1.2 Million Psychotropic Capsules

Five Individuals Jailed for Terrorism and Organized Crime in Illizi: Massive Seizure of Weapons and Over 1.2 Million Psychotropic Capsules

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Members of a transnational criminal-terrorist network face charges of attempted assassination, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering in a sweeping judicial crackdown.

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Algiers, Algeria | June 23rd, 2025 — In a blow to transnational organized crime and terrorism networks, the investigating judge at the Sidi M’hamed Tribunal in Algiers has ordered the pre-trial detention of five individuals implicated in an armed terrorist group operating in the southern province of Illizi. The suspects face a broad range of serious charges, including attempted assassination, trafficking of psychotropic substances, arms smuggling, and large-scale money laundering — all committed within the framework of an organized criminal group.

According to an official communiqué from the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Sidi M’hamed tribunal, this case falls within the scope of national efforts to counter terrorism and transnational crime. The preliminary investigation was conducted by the Regional Judicial Police Service under the Security of the Army Command in Ouargla and led to the arrest of all five individuals.

The probe uncovered alarming quantities of illicit goods and weaponry. Authorities seized a staggering 1,238,445 capsules of Prégabaline, a controlled psychotropic substance, alongside two FMPK firearms, 1,516 live FAL-caliber rounds, four high-capacity magazines, and four unlicensed wireless communication devices. Two all-terrain 4×4 vehicles used by the suspects were also confiscated.

The prosecution confirmed that the suspects were presented before the Republic’s Public Prosecutor on June 22, 2025, where an official judicial inquiry was launched. The charges laid against them include:
– Membership in and participation in a terrorist group,
– Drug trafficking involving psychotropic substances within an organized criminal group,
– Attempted assassination,
– Illicit arms trafficking endangering national security,
– Import and distribution of first-category ammunition without a license,
– Transport of war-grade weaponry and ammunition,
– And laundering of proceeds of crime as part of an organized network.

Following detailed interrogations, the investigating magistrate issued an order for their immediate placement in pre-trial detention, as investigations continue to determine the full extent of the network’s activities and possible external links.

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